May 11, 2023 in Library News

The Poseidon Adventure was the top grossing movie of 1973 and had eight Oscar nominations. We're recognizing the 50th anniversary of this classic movie with books and movies about disasters. Here's our staff's top picks.

Sharknado (2013)

by Asylum Productions

Who wouldn't want to watch people try to stop a sharknado by throwing bombs into it, or a dude jumping into a shark only to chainsaw his way out, or Tara Reid trying to act? — Beth, Access Services


Twister (2000)

by Warner Bros

Tornadoes: Twister. Volcanoes: Volcano and Dante's Peak. Asteroids/Comets: Armageddon and Deep Impact. Disengage your brain and enjoy the silliness. Do you want to see James Bond and Sarah Connor battle a volcano? Or maybe you'd prefer to watch Tommy Lee Jones try to intimidate the lava back into the La Brea Tar Pits? Can I tempt you with Bruce Willis in space? Or Tea Leoni getting squashed by a massive wave? How about Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt falling in love again while chasing tornadoes? The '90s had something for everyone.— Beth, Access Services


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

by Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Out of all other disaster movies, this one stood out to me as a kid due to its having very "human" characters, and for focusing on the indomitable human spirit in the latter half. Not just in the library that the main characters shelter in, but in countless refuges across the nation and world, complete strangers come together in the face of unimaginable odds and help each other survive through the worst that nature can throw at us. And in the end, this spirit culminates in the entire world coming together to help each other out after the disaster. Always brings a tear to my eye. :,) — Eugene, Circulation


Titanic (2012)

by Paramount Pictures Corporation

Enjoy this award-winning classic disaster film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet where a 17-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a poor artist while aboard the ill fated RMS Titanic. I enjoyed Jack and Rose's romantic relationship along with the graphic depiction of the ship's tragedy. — Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music


Geostorm (2018)

by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

I love this action/adventure film starring Gerard Butler! The storyline is about a network of satellites designed to control the global climate which starts to attack Earth. It's a race against the clock for its creator to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone. It has great visual effects in a universal weather disaster film. — Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music


Airport, Terminal Pack (2013)

by Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin lead an all-star cast in this award-winning film about a bomber on board an airplane, an airport almost closed by snow, and various personal problems of the people involved. A fabulous movie with multiple plots and twists! — Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music


San Andreas (2015)

by Warner Home Video

Watch Dwayne Johnson in this captivating, action-packed movie about the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California. A rescue chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state in order to rescue his daughter. Great special effects! — Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music


Everest (2016)

by Universal Pictures Corporation

Based on the real events of the 1996 Mt. Everest climbing disaster, Everest provides an account of two commercial expedition groups, one led by Rob Hall and the other by Scott Fischer, who were ascending to the summit of Mt. Everest and were subsequently caught in a blizzard. I appreciate the development of each of the climbers' stories throughout the film and the realistic portrayal of the harsh Mt. Everest conditions that they faced. These details make for a memorable and heartbreaking depiction of this tragedy. — Sara, Fiction, Movies & Music

A Fire Story (2019)

by Brian Fies

This graphic novel is a firsthand account of the devastating wildfires that burned through Northern California in 2017, resulting in 44 fatalities and the destruction of over 6,000 homes. One of those homes belonged to author and illustrator Brian Fies and his family. Fies gives a moving and candid account of the emotional experience of losing nearly everything right in front of his eyes, as well as the stories of others affected by the disaster. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


Jumper (2022)

by Melanie Crowder

Blair is a 19-year-old wildland firefighter who works hard alongside her best friend to prove herself in a male-dominated field for a chance to become a smokejumper, but she is hiding a secret that could change everything. This book is a quick fast-paced read! — Allison, Youth Services

Cassandra Crossing

The Cassandra Crossing (1977)

by Ennio Guarnieri

Little known later disaster movie with a big cast. The story revolves around a European express train carrying passengers infected with an infectious bioweapon. — Tom, Reference Services


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